The quiet town of Shawano, Wisconsin, feels emptier today after the passing of Tom “T-Bone” Bowan, a beloved community figure known for his loud laugh and vibrant energy.
Lifters at the Shawano Rec Center, old-school athletes, and bar buddies alike are sharing stories of the man who made every gathering brighter.
At 68 years old, T-Bone leaves behind a legacy of kindness, competition, and those unforgettable tall tales that could stretch from one end of Shawano County to the other.
News of his Death Spread Quickly Through the Tight-Knit Circles he Cherished Most
Steve Heling, a longtime friend and fellow Shawano Indian from the ’70s and ’80s, broke the heartbreaking update on the “Shawano Indians/Hawks Memories 1970’s – 1980’s-1990’s” Facebook page.
Steve wrote-:
“For all my fellow Shawano Rec Center lifters /excercisers over the years and people who went to school with him, Tom “T-Bone” Bowan passed away at his home. If you worked out at the Rec (he was always working behind the counter at night) and always willing to give you a spot on your heavy lifts, he, played softball, shot bar darts you knew Big Tom ! He was a heck of a softball player and not just “for a big guy”, good dart shot and one heck of “conversationalist” He could stretch a story and maybe the truth a country mile but one heck of a good guy really ! He was a faithful designated driver for many over the years also. RIP T-Bone God speed. Say an extra prayer for T-Bone tonight. He is resting now alongside your and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for eternity along with his mom dad and sister. He was a proud Shawano Indian from the 70/80s era.”
Via Facebook
He described a clear image of the well-known man, always stationed behind the Rec Center counter on night shifts, ready with a spot for your heaviest lifts or a quick tip to push through one more rep.
T-Bone wasn’t just a gym rat; he was the heart of the place, turning workouts into social hours.
But T-Bone’s world went far beyond the weights.
A proud Shawano Indian alum, he dominated local softball fields with a swing that belied his size, earning cheers not as “good for a big guy,” but as one of the best.
He laced up for volleyball games too, diving for spikes with the same gusto.
Evenings often found him at the bar, sinking darts with pinpoint accuracy or spinning records as a DJ, his playlists a perfect mix of classic rock and crowd-pleasers that kept the dance floor alive.
An art lover at heart, T-Bone had a keen eye for capturing Shawano’s charm through his photography, from sunsets over the Wolf River to candid shots of friends mid-laugh, or the gritty beauty of a well-worn glove on the diamond.
And let’s not forget his karaoke nights; the man could belt out a ballad like nobody’s business, turning strangers into sing-alongs.
Steve’s post captured T-Bone’s spirit perfectly.
“He was a heck of a softball player… good dart shot and one heck of a ‘conversationalist.’ He could stretch a story and maybe the truth a country mile, but one heck of a good guy, really! He was a faithful designated driver for many over the years also.”
Via Facebook
Wrapping up with a prayerful note, Steve added,
“RIP T-Bone. God speed. Say an extra prayer for T-Bone tonight. He is resting now alongside your and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for eternity, along with his mom, dad, and sister.”
VIa Facebook
As News Spread, More and More People Shared their Memories of T-Bone, Each One Adding to the Story of his Life
Collin Arvey, who grew up splashing around the Rec Center pool, remembered the joy T-Bone brought to kids like him.
Collun Shared-:
“Man, my childhood at the rec center was so much better because of him, He would check us all in, then he would join us in the pool and toss us about over his shoulder. As a young kid, he was so much fun!”
Via Facebook
Tomina Maria echoed those early memories but added layers from later years.
“Great guy. Knew him from the rec as a kid, but in later years he was always around the local bars with his karaoke business. Great singer too.”
Via Facebook
She captured how T-Bone evolved from playground hero to nightlife staple, always the one to light up a room.
Bobbi Hacker also wrote:
Keane Lohmiller recalled their rough-and-tumble Sundays on the old football field.
“T-Bone was a great guy. Playing football with him on Sundays at the old FB field and reminiscing in many conversations. RIP DUDE!”
Via Facebook
Those gridiron games weren’t just about the plays; they were about the bonds forged in sweat and stories swapped on the sidelines.
Erik Olson, who worked shifts alongside T-Bone at the Rec, got emotional about their shared adventures.
“Working at the Rec, I got to do a lot of things with Tom, Stu, Chris, and the gang. Tom was a great and very special friend. Many thanks, many laughs. I will miss you.”
Via Facebook
For Erik, T-Bone was more than a coworker; he was the glue holding their crew together through late nights and inside jokes.
Even those wilder nights after last call stuck with people. Kim Schmidt wrote,
“I remember hanging out after bar close doing stupid stuff, laughing so hard in our younger years. That laugh is what instantly came to my memories, and then a wave of sadness. I know everyone who knew him will have great memories!”
Via Facebook
Kim nailed it, T-Bone’s infectious chuckle was his signature, echoing through memories of mischief and unbreakable friendships.
T-Bone’s family has asked for privacy during this time, but a celebration of life is being planned at the Shawano Rec Center, where it all began.
Donations in his name can go to the center’s youth programs, a nod to the kid-tossing, story-spinning mentor he was.
As Shawano heals from this loss, one thing rings true: T-Bone didn’t just live large, he made sure everyone around him did too.
Rest easy, big guy. Your stories will keep the fire going.
